Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh released a statement Thursday saying he hopes to lead the Wolverines back to Ann Arbor next season.Additionally, a school source told Athletic The football program was investigated by the NCAA on Thursday and is expected to be notified of the charges by the end of the week. Here’s what we know:
- Harbaugh, who has expressed interest in returning to the NFL in recent years, has been the subject of reports of job openings, including from Denver and Carolina.
- The NCAA violations were viewed by school sources as relatively minor violations — which included an analyst coaching a player and another involving text messages that violated NCAA rules — but the investigation also focused on the program’s response to such violations superior. Three sources with knowledge of the investigation confirmed that it included self-reported violations by an analyst while coaching players on the field. It’s unclear what the NCAA’s penalty will be.
- Since 2015, Harbaugh is 74-25 at Michigan. The Wolverines went 13-1 on the season, won the Big Ten title, and then lost to TCU in the CFP semifinals, giving Michigan its second straight playoff appearance.
- Harbaugh was the head coach of the 49ers from 2011 to 2014, leading San Francisco to three conference championship games and a Super Bowl.
- Sources close to Harbaugh told Athletic They think this offseason feels different for the coach, and he’s more likely to leave.
What is he saying
“I’m aware of the rumors and speculation over the past few days,” Harbaugh said. “The level of interest that college and NFL teams have shown in all of our personnel, from players to coaches to staff, I firmly believe is a testament to the strength of our Michigan football program.”
“As I said in December, while no one knows what the future holds, I hope I can enthusiastically coach Michigan in 2023. I’ve spoken to President St. Ono and Athletic Director Ward Manuel and thank them Support for me and our project. Our mission as the Wolverines continues and we are preparing for the 2023 season with great enthusiasm and enthusiasm. As our legendary coach Bo Schembechler said, ‘Those who stay will be Be a champion.’”
background story
Harbaugh, fresh off leading Michigan to its first Big Ten title in 17 years, sought a return to the NFL last year.
On signing day in 2022, Harbaugh met with the Minnesota Vikings, but ultimately didn’t get the job. He told reporters after that, “The NFL is attractive because I’m so close to the Super Bowl, but now is the time. This is the last time. Now let’s go after the top prize in college football.”
This year, Harbaugh led his alma mater to an even more impressive season, going undefeated in the regular season and once again dominating archrival Ohio State. This time, it happened in Columbus, and the Wolverines won 45-23.
Over the past two seasons, Harbaugh has shown his continued improvement as a head coach, and his program has taken a dramatic turn. UM was a frustrating favorite to reach the College Football Playoff semifinal against TCU last weekend, and now that the NFL team is giving the 58-year-old Harbaugh strong consideration again, his next move will be intriguing. A return to the Denver Broncos or his old team, the Indianapolis Colts, could be very tempting. — Bruce Feldman
what this means for michigan
Harbaugh reiterated what he said in December when he said he expected to be “enthusiastically coaching the Wolverines in 2023.” In other words, nothing has changed. His statement about the NFL came with a caveat about not knowing the future, which left the door wide open. But for now, Harbaugh isn’t giving up on his commitment to staying at Michigan next season. — docile
(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
